Australia’s gambling losses have reached AUD32 billion (€19.4 billion) for the 2022-23 period, prompting renewed demands for a ban on gambling ads. This sharp rise from AUD25 billion (€15.2 billion) in 2018-19 has led to calls for urgent reforms to curb gambling harm. 

The Queensland Treasury report revealed the average loss per Australian adult now stands at AUD1,555 (€942), an increase from AUD1,307 (€792). Martin Thomas, CEO of the Alliance for Gambling Reform, highlighted that the current regulatory system is failing to protect the public. “Australians lose more to gambling than any other nation because we have an inadequate regulatory regime,” Thomas said. He emphasised that these losses have widespread social consequences, affecting individuals, families, and communities across the country. 

Push for full implementation of Murphy report 

The has urged the Albanese government to adopt all 31 recommendations from the Murphy Report, including a complete ban on gambling advertising.   “These latest horrifying loss figures underscore the importance of the Federal Government adopting all 31 recommendations of the Murphy Report including a full ban on gambling advertising on broadcast media and online. It also proves the need for a national strategy on gambling and the formation of a national regulator,” Thomas said.  The Murphy Report, led by the late Labor MP Peta Murphy, found that gambling ads are normalising online gambling and influencing young people to gamble. However, the government has yet to implement the report’s recommendations fully. 

Public support for ad ban grows 

A poll by Red Bridge revealed that 72 percent of Australians support a full ban on gambling ads. The Alliance has also pushed for the introduction of cashless gambling cards with pre-set loss limits to reduce harm from poker machines. “Only with these measures can we address the harm caused by poker machines and tackle the proceeds of crime flowing into pubs and clubs,” Thomas said.